Public health funerals

By the provision of section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, the local authority is required to make arrangements for the burial of the dead, "where no other arrangements have been made", in the interest of public health. People who die intestate and with no next of kin typically come within this type of action.

Financial assistance following a death

Those in need of financial assistance following a death can submit a claim to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in two circumstances:

Funeral payment: The partner or close relative of the deceased, if they are on a qualifying benefit, may be able to get a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund that covers costs of a basic funeral.
Bereavement payment: If the deceased died because of their job or died when under retirement age, the partner of the deceased may be able to claim a £2000 Bereavement Payment.

Further details on these schemes are available from the government website Directgov.

View the register of funerals arranged by WODC since 1 January 2005.

Estates valued over £500 are referred to Bona Vacantia who also provide a register.

For more detailed information, contact the Council.